PISCATAWAY — Tyler Kroft drew comparisons Monday to two NFL players. That would’ve been lofty praise for a Rutgers tight end as little as a year ago.

But with 18 receptions, second on the team, and three touchdowns — tied for the most by a tight end in recent history — it appears merit-based.

“It wasn’t going to be overnight, but he’s done an excellent job of improving in that role — much in the same way a guy like Clark Harris did here years ago and a guy like Kevin Brock in between the two of them,” head coach Kyle Flood said of Kroft’s in-line blocking. “It’s not the first time we’ve done it.”

Production at tight end has been notoriously lean. Kroft is two catches away from D.C. Jefferson’s leading mark for all of last season. His three scores in six games tie last year’s team total at the position.

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Three offensive play callers in as many seasons touted tight end-friendly résumés. Coordinator Ron Prince has proven it. Kroft has been a frequent red zone target. He has scored three times in Rutgers’ last three games.

“It is something in recruiting you’ve got to make decisions based on ultimately what you’re looking for,” Flood said during his weekly conference call. “When you talk about offensive personnel, at the end of the day we need to put guys on the field that can help you score points.”

Kroft’s wiry 6-foot-6 frame prompted a move to wide receiver at Downingtown East (Pa.) High School. He seldom played along the line of scrimmage.

It appeared a philosophy shift for Rutgers, which favor bulkier, in-line blockers at tight end. It received much of its receiving production from the perimeter.

“If you didn’t want a guy like Tyler,” Flood said, “then you might as well just recruit another offensive lineman (at the position).”

Rutgers’ offensive line, meanwhile, has produced less faith.

The Scarlet Knights allowed a season-high eight sacks Thursday at No. 8 Louisville, the most since Flood took over as head coach in 2012. Quarterback Gary Nova appeared under constant duress, especially from the interior.

Rutgers’ running backs totaled 60 yards on 17 carries.

Flood said he will continue to evaluate the position during the team’s bye week.

“To say before a bye week that you had five guys you knew were going to start the game after the performance we just had I think would not be in our best interest,” he said.

It’s the latest development in a revolving door along the offensive line. Two players are starting for the first time in their career. Two more are adjusting to new positions.

Fifth-year senior former starters, both who began their careers as defensive linemen, wait behind them.

Rutgers hasn’t had a lineman drafted since 2010.

“We didn’t do a good enough job up front in that Louisville game,” Flood said. “When you don’t do a good enough job, then you have to see if there’s other people on the team who can make you better and do a better job.”

About the Author

Tyler Barto is a 2013 Rutgers graduate and a Westampton, N.J., native. Reach the author at tbarto@trentonian.com
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